Hawaii Five-O Film Adaptation
Paramount Pictures is developing a Hawaii Five-O film adaptation with director Destin Daniel Cretton.
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Key Points
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Paramount was reportedly the first studio to pursue the project because both the original series and the 2010–2020 remake were CBS productions, and CBS is part of Paramount.
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The film is envisioned as a potential franchise built around Hawaii’s tropical locations and the series’ iconic theme song, with the central role offering a major leading-man opportunity.
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The original Steve McGarrett was portrayed as a former U.S. Navy officer and Judge Advocate General lawyer who became Hawaii’s top-ranking state investigator—background that could inform the film’s interpretation of the character.
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Noah Oppenheim is described as a producer on the project, alongside Guymon Casady and the Leonard Freeman estate, rather than solely as a screenwriter.
Paramount Pictures is developing a feature-film adaptation of Hawaii Five-O, the classic 1968–1980 CBS police series, with director Destin Daniel Cretton attached to develop and potentially direct Perth Now. Screenwriter Chris Bremner, known for Bad Boys for Life, will write the script, while producers include Guymon Casady and the estate of original creator Leonard Freeman. The project marks Paramount's first major push to turn the iconic cop show into a movie after earlier film attempts stalled over rights disputes.
Why Paramount Won Control of the Franchise
Paramount had a clear path to the property because it owns CBS, which produced both the original Hawaii Five-O and the successful 2010–2020 reboot starring Alex O'Loughlin Geek Tyrant. Previous film efforts died in legal battles over who owned the rights. By consolidating ownership under one studio, Paramount eliminated those obstacles and positioned itself as the sole studio capable of launching a theatrical franchise.
The Original Steve McGarrett: From Navy Officer to Top Cop
The character at the heart of the movie—Steve McGarrett, played by Jack Lord in the original series—was a former U.S. Navy officer and Judge Advocate General lawyer who rose to become Hawaii's highest-ranking state investigator The People's Movies. That military and legal background gave the character depth and credibility. The new film will likely draw on this origin story to build McGarrett into a complex, leading-man role for the theatrical adaptation.
Building a Franchise Around an Iconic Catchphrase
The original series is remembered for McGarrett's famous closing line: "Book 'em, Danno." Paramount envisions the film as the launchpad for a potential franchise built around Hawaii's tropical locations and the show's instantly recognizable theme song Film News The studio sees major franchise potential in adapting material that already has global name recognition and a devoted fanbase spanning decades.
Cretton's Full Schedule May Slow Production Timeline
Director Destin Daniel Cretton currently has a crowded slate that includes the live-action Naruto adaptation and potential future Spider-Man work Geek Tyrant. These commitments could delay when he begins directing Hawaii Five-O, or shift it further down his priority list. The project remains in early development, so timing for production remains uncertain as Cretton juggles multiple high-profile assignments.
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